Norton Spot Ad Detector Scans For Annoying, Spammy Adware In Android Apps

Norton Spot Ad Detector

Norton Spot is an ad detector and scanner of advertising networks that can spam your device via apps you install. Identify apps that don't respect your privacy and remove them. Monitor for intrusive alerts and block aggressive mobile advertising (madware) practices, including apps that constantly push ads to your notification bar, create unauthorized desktop shortcuts, and secretly collect your personal information. We spot the madware, you decide whether to keep it.

It's your device. Take back control with Norton Spot.

FEATURES
Scan and identify apps that display intrusive ads on your device
Remove app spam and aggressive advertising networks
Sort apps by potential annoyance levels
Identify which apps are collecting your personal information without permission
Uninstall apps that don't respect your privacy

WHAT IS MOBILE ADWARE (MADWARE)?
Madware, the term that’s been adopted for the Mobile Adware category, refers to ad networks that subject users to over-aggressive advertising on their mobile devices.
Due to the open nature of the Android ecosystem, spammy apps are on the rise. Without a madware blocker installed on your device, they can override your personal settings, collect your personal information, and slow down your phone. Your mobile device is a computer, and can be vulnerable in the same manner as a desktop.

Some examples of madware behaviors:
Collects your device’s phone number
Collects location information
Displays ads on your notification bar
Adds icons or shortcuts to device screen
Modifies your web browser bookmarks
Replaces your dial tone with an audio ad
Sends you ads through text messages
Changes your web browser homepage

A trustworthy app will generally adhere to the following guidelines:
The user experience is consistent with in-app advertising. Unfortunately, some apps aggressively bombard users with ads and alerts that can be potentially annoying.

There is clear separation between content and advertising. Some app developers have been known to disguise alerts, shortcuts, bookmarks, and icons as default settings without the user's consent.

Freedom to navigate the app without walls. Forcing the user to click on ads or submit personal information in order to fully use the app provides a poor user experience.

A private web browsing experience. In-app ads should not interfere with third party ads and websites.
An honest product description. Deceptive app developers have provided inaccurate statements and claims to increase downloads.

As the Android platform grows, verifying the safety of each app can be difficult as it involves third party software. Only install an app if you trust the app's developer and vendor. This includes current app versions and future updates. An effective madware killer or stopper can help you evaluate as to whether an app is trustworthy.

NORTON MOBILE SECURITY
For maximum protection, we recommend using an antivirus and malware solution such as Norton Mobile Security, in combination with Norton Spot.
Learn more about Norton Mobile Security on the Android platform: http://nms.gp.NortonApps.com

ABOUT SYMANTEC
Founded in 1982, Symantec has more than 20,500 employees in more than 50 countries. We are the global leader in providing security, storage, and systems management solutions. In an information-driven world, consumers, small businesses, and large global organizations rely on Symantec to secure and manage their data.

Norton is our flagship brand for Antivirus, Malware, and Internet Security Protection for mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. With over 23 years of experience, trust Norton to keep your personal data safe.

NORTON ANDROID APPS
For the complete line of Norton™ mobile apps on the Android platform: http://google.NortonApps.com

PRIVACY POLICY
For more information: http://www.symantec.com/about/profile/privacypolicy/